Aromatherapy For Asthma – Will Aromatherapy Soothe Attacks Or Cause Them?
The wheezing, gasping, and struggling for breath is horrible. Asthma afflicts many people and is not only frustrating, but can risk your health and life. You are never quite sure what is going to bring on the next attack and the idea of using aromatherapy for asthma may terrify you. Let us look at some of the concerns, and benefits with using aromatherapy if you have asthma.
The first area of concern would be with the allergic reactions a very few people may experience using the essential oils extracted from plants and used in aromatherapy. The allergens could potentially trigger an asthma attack, but the incidence of this is very rare. If you know of particular kinds of plants you are allergic to, stay away from oils which include those plants. If you are buying from a store which specializes in aromatherapy, mention to them the types of items you are allergic to, and they should be able to help you make some great choices.
It is not only allergens which can cause the onset of an asthma attack, but anything your body perceives as a threat to your breathing. When you first start with aromatherapy keep the level of oils used very low until you discover how your body reacts. Make sure to have your inhaler or other medication handy in case an attack it triggered. As mentioned before, this is very rare.
How can aromatherapy for asthma help you? There are many of the different oils and scents which are soothing and relaxing to the lungs and bronchial system A few good examples would include frankincense, rose, ginger, lavender, and peppermint. When you are first starting out, make sure to use the oils when you are feeling great. Do not try to use them when in the middle of an attack. The worst thing you could do would be to choose an essential oil which irritates your condition and use it while you are already in the midst of an attack. It could worsen the effects, or make the attack last longer, which are both results you wish to avoid.
If you discover using one of the essential oils, like peppermint, helps to ease your breathing and make you feel better during normal times, then you may wish to try it during the onset of an asthma attack, Use it along with your normal medication. While you may find a few people who claim aromatherapy is the only treatment you need for your asthma, do not trust those statements. Asthma is a serious medical condition which should be treated by your Doctor, and then use aromatherapy as an addition to your treatment. You may wish to discuss the use of aromatherapy for asthma with your physician. Make sure they understand you intend to use it along with your normal treatment, not as a replacement.
Using aromatherapy for asthma helps many people experience faster recovery from their attacks, and aids in clearing their breathing during normal times. Trying aromatherapy along with your normal treatments is a great way to enhance your treatment, and help reduce the stress associated to battling your asthma. Choose your essential oils carefully, and you can enjoy using essential oils.
